A U.S. court ruling forces Apple to allow external crypto payments in iOS apps by July 25, 2024, prompting mixed reactions from developers and regulatory scrutiny under EU laws.
Apple faces a 45-day deadline to enable off-platform crypto transactions without fees after a June 10 District Court decision, while retaining fees for fiat purchases in updated guidelines.
Court Mandate Reshapes iOS Payment Landscape
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled on 10 June 2024 that Apple must permit developers to direct users to alternative cryptocurrency payment systems without charging commissions. This decision stems from ongoing litigation initiated by Epic Games in 2020, with compliance required by 25 July 2024.
Updated Guidelines Create Fee Loophole
Apple’s revised App Store guidelines published 14 June 2024 allow “link-out” options for crypto transactions but maintain 12-27% fees for in-app fiat currency purchases. Coinbase announced Wallet SDK integration for iOS on 12 June, enabling gas-free NFT purchases through external wallets.
Industry Reactions and Security Concerns
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized the residual fees as “arbitrary gatekeeping,” while Binance Pay began iOS beta testing on 13 June to bypass NFT trade fees. Chainalysis security analysts warned of potential scam risks, referencing their 2023 report documenting $1.7 billion in crypto app fraud losses.
Global Regulatory Pressure Intensifies
EU regulators confirmed on 11 June that Apple’s compliance with the Digital Markets Act must include crypto payment provisions, expanding the ruling’s impact beyond U.S. markets. Sensor Tower projects 40% growth in mobile crypto app installations post-implementation.
Historical Context: App Store Payment Disputes
This ruling follows Apple’s 2021 concession allowing reader apps to link external websites, which excluded crypto transactions. The 2020 Epic v. Apple trial first challenged the 30% “Apple tax,” resulting in temporary restraining orders but no permanent policy changes until now.
Crypto Adoption Patterns in Mobile Tech
The shift mirrors 2018’s App Store ban reversal on cryptocurrency wallet apps, which enabled services like Coinbase Wallet. However, Apple maintained transaction fee control until this ruling. Google Play’s 2022 policy update allowing NFT sales without mandatory Google billing created competitive pressure for iOS.
